Last week I read about the character of Joseph. One of the things that struck me was the perspective he had regarding the troubles in his life.

If you remember, his own brothers sold him into slavery to get rid of him. Then, while he was a slave for Potiphar, he was wrongly accused. He spent two years in prison because he was wrongly accused.

What struck me about this was that Joseph was able to keep from harboring any sort of bitterness that we would normally expect. If someone wrongs you, isn’t your natural response to get back at them? Does an injustice toward you cause you to want to correct the situation so you can have justice.

Joseph didn’t respond this way. In fact, he responded with great love towards his brothers (of course he did play a joke on them). When they were in need, he welcomed them and demonstrated first class hospitality towards them. Would you open your home to someone who made you a slave?

After Jacob died, the brothers worried that Joseph might finally respond harshly toward them. Even still, Joseph had the response, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to acomplish what is now being done…”

God blessed Jacob’s family through the life of Joseph. What’s amazing is that Joseph accepted the blessing even though it wasn’t solely for him. The blessing was meant for all of Jacob’s family as well as those who didn’t have to hunger during the famine.

What are some injustices in your life? They can be frustrating and cause bitterness and resentment. Maybe your injustices are a means for God to bring his blessing to others. If that’s the case, then we should remember to be thankful in all circumstances and to rejoice always.